The cognitive approach: the study of internal mental processes, the role of schema, the use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make inferences about mental processes. The emergence of cognitive neuroscience.

The biological approach: the influence of genes, biological structures and neurochemistry on behaviour. Genotype and phenotype, genetic basis of behaviour, evolution and behaviour.

A Level Content – 2nd Year:

The psychodynamic approach: the role of the unconscious, the structure of personality, that is the ID, Ego and Super Ego, defence mechanisms including, repression, denial and displacement, psychosexual stages of development.

Humanist psychology: free will, self-actualisation and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, focus on the self, congruence, the role of conditions of worth. The influence of counselling psychology.